News from London Assembly Labour

C-Charge axe paid for by London fare-payers

Millions of Londoners are set to pay higher fares thanks to Boris Johnson’s decision to remove the congestion charge western extension. Ken Livingstone said: “Londoners from Charlton to Chalk Farm will pay for the Chelsea congestion charge axe.

“What’s lost in income in December will be raised through fares in January.

“Abolishing one half of the congestion charge zone is a political choice with direct consequences that cost Londoners across the city more in fares, putting some drivers in central London ahead of transport users in the outer London boroughs.

“Combined with this January’s fare increase, the abolition of the western extension is a money transfer out of the pockets of fare-payers across the whole of London.

“Cutting £50m-£70m in revenue a time when public services are under severe pressure makes no financial sense, and with Boris Johnson’s own estimates that the removal of the western extension will increase traffic, it makes no sense in terms of traffic flow or pollution either.”

Other news from London Assembly Labour

• Every Labour voter must turn out today or the Tories will get away with it - 3 May 2012
• Cameron urging a Boris Johnson vote shows why we need a Labour Mayor - 3 May 2012
• Ken to woo London Liberal Democrat voters with email appeal - 1 May 2012